Is Affirmative Action Fair?

Affirmative action is a completely unfair and discriminatory practice. According to the dictionary affirmative action means a program to stop discrimination: a policy or program aimed at countering discrimination against minorities and women, especially in employment and education. In reading definition it does make one think that this policy is a good way to stop discrimination. However, should someone receive a job over you because they are a different race or gender than you?

Hiring someone for a job because the government says you have to have a certain number of minorities and women is absolutely absurd. First and foremost businesses are out there for one reason, to make money. How do you make money? You hire the most qualified person for the job no matter what their race and gender are. I know that if I did not get a job because of affirmative action even though I was the most qualified I would be outraged. Most people would agree that equal opportunity is also a good decision. How can you have equal opportunity with affirmative action for anybody? The simplistic answer, believe it or not, is you cannot have it.

Everybody wants a good job, there is no denying that. However, the last time I checked the color of your skin or your gender did not translate into wonderful hiring criteria. Having skills that are marketable with an education is more of what employers are wanting and looking for. I really do not feel that the government should be able to tell you who you can and cannot hire just because it is politically correct to use affirmative action. When it comes down to it I personally believe that the most qualified person for the position that they are applying for should be the person that gets the job. That person should also be able to get that job without race or gender being an issue whatsoever.